Caspian and Coyotes

Heading to the multiplex this afternoon to see Prince Caspian. Looking forward to it, as Dillon and I just finished reading the book. But this morning, across the street, our local coyote was stolling through the neighborhood. Yes, that's right, in suburban Naperville, a wild coyote moves around the neighborhood like he owns the place. Very strange indeed.

What is one supposed to do when confronted by a coyote? I'm guessing running isn't a good idea, but is it like a bear or a cougar where you're supposed to act as "big" as you can and scare the animal into indifference? Just curious in case Wile E. wants a ride to soccer practice...

Comments

[Shelley]

I heard Caspian is awfully violent, I am sure he will be fine. As for the coyote, he should leave you alone unless you are carrying raw meat. So just don't wear that steak jacket and you should be fine.

[Pat]

I heard it was violent but not bloody - the movie, I don't know about the coyote. Just don't pull up next to the coyote and say, "Beep, beep" and you'll be fine. And keep all small animals in the house. There's probably not an easy way to explain that one to the kids! You'll have to review the movie so we know whether or not to go. We're hoping to get to the Indiana Jones movie Thursday with the rest of the first day nuts!

[ellie]

I used to live in Cress Creek, and one day I spied a coyote walking down the sidewalk (how dignified) on Royal St. George. I called the city and was told, "It's a wild animal, just like a squirrel,we just leave them alone." I'll bet coyotes are more afraid of us than we are of them...Still, it reminded me of the scene in "To Kill a Mockingbird" where Atticus Finch is called out to shoot the rapid dog. Had that same mangy appearance...

[Rod MacDonald]

Coyotes are Kool. We had them back in Redmond, Washington where I used to live. They lived up the hill from me in some woods by the Microsoft campus. I enjoyed listening to them vocalizing at night - they had the most amazing jibba jabba. I'm no coyote expert but they seem to have a more advanced vocabulary than say, dogs do. I think most of the time they will steer clear of direct contact with humans. If you bump into one that comes after you, it's probably sick or rabid, and you might wanna grab a stick, bare your fangs or beat feet! Or, you could try an ACME product on it.